AsianCajuns: My Decatur Wish List

During this time of the year I try to start focusing on gift buying like everyone else. Unfortunately the more gift searching I do for others, the more my own wish list grows. Lauren and I are determined to do all of our Christmas shopping at independently-owned stores around town, so I've already created a substantial list in my head of all the things I want from Decatur's shops alone. Below are just few.

1.) Creepy deer lamp from Victory Vintage.
Victory Vintage is one of my favorite stores in Decatur and if I could decorate my whole apartment with nothing but furniture from there I would. Unfortunately I have more of an Ikea budget than mid-century-refurbished-vintage-finds budget. Still, a girl can dream and the minute I saw this lamp I feel in love with it. I don't know if it's the evil eyes or the overall kitschy-ness of the piece, but I think it's amazing.

2.) Anything from Vivid Boutique.
Located between Starbuck's and The Brickstore, Vivid Boutique was opened last Friday by the owner and jewelry maker of the former Jewel Couture Boutique. It's probably the most feminine store in Decatur and has beautiful jewelry, home accents and fun gift items. The best part is that everything in the store is reasonably priced or cheaper. I have a feeling I'll be buying a lot of Christmas presents this year at Vivid.

3.) Peace Holiday Wreath from Heliotrope.
At first glance this wreath seems a little too faux-hippie/overly-optimistic, but the image of it hanging on a red front door really makes it stand out in an unpretentious kind of way. If I drove a Mack truck, I would stick it on the front grill. But then again, that's probably why I don't make a living as a truck driver.

4.) White 3/4 Length Coat from DressCodes.
I think DressCodes is one of the best clothing boutiques in Atlanta. The store carries clothes that are classic with a twist so you don't have to spend half your time weeding through brightly-colored, faux deconstructed, jersey tops. Lauren and I are suckers for anything with an exaggerated collar and we've both been eying this coat for the past month. (Yes, we think the model is kind of weird looking too).